Monday, November 9, 2009

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Hi all,

Welcome to another mail reviewing all new and happening books in the past few days. With this mail, we complete 7 happy years of reviewing books for you. Our yahoo group (twistntales@yahoogroups.com), which we started in Nov 2002, (6 months after our Store started operations) is now 3000+ members strong and our readers are spread far and wide. Writing to you, some known and some unknown readers has been a complete joy :-)

Bringing these reviews to you, week after week, and now monthly has been a tremendous effort and the students who work at twistntales do put in their all in making sure that the reviews are done well, facts are correct and the more important or happening books are highlighted, at the same time, bringing absolute gems into the limelight. We are glad and happy that so many of you read and write back to us, or visit us enquiring about a particular book that we had reviewed, making it all worthwhile.

We have a lot of raving fans, but the biggest of our fans are kids! We have seen so many grow in twistntales. On the occasion of Children’s Day (Nov 14th), we at twistntales are happy to offer discounts on kids books all through this week. Starting Tuesday, 10th Nov, to Sun, 15th Nov, all books in the Children, Young Adults and GK (for kids) sections will be offered at a discounted price. Do drop in and check it out for your kids.

Getting back to reviews, here’s a long list waiting for you:

New Books:

Fiction:

“True Blue” by David Baldacci @ Rs. 505/- (Pgs 456)
Yet another bestseller from one of the world’s most favorite storytellers, True Blue, is the story of Mason Perry- A one-of-a-kind woman cop on the DC police force who gets kidnapped and framed for a crime she never committed. After two long years in prison she is determined to track down the people who set her up as she rebuilds her destroyed life. As she works her way around a US attorney who is determined to put her behind bars once more, she finds her fate entangled with Roy Kingman, a young lawyer. Roy and Mason get drawn into both the private and public world of the Nation’s capital, when what they thought was a routine homicide investigation begins to turn complex and possibly deadly…

“And Another Thing” by Eoin Colfer @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 340)
Published to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, And Another Thing is the sixth installment in the Englishman Arthur Dent’s hapless journey across time and space in search of a decent cuppa. Douglas Adams’ wish of wanting to write the sixth book in the Hitchhiker’s series was thwarted by his unfortunate death. However, Eoin Colfer, the creator of the acclaimed anti-hero Artemis Fowl was invited to set adrift the journey of Arthur Dent once more, which features this time an array of hilarious characters ranging from a pantheon of unemployed gods to a love struck alien. Pack your towel and enjoy the ride!

“The Book of Secrets” by Tom Harper @ Rs.380/- (Pgs 582)
Tom Harper, the author of Lost Temple, brings your way one more page-turner. A young woman discovers an extraordinary secret, in a snowbound village in the German mountains. She disappears, leaving behind a mysterious medieval playing card that has perplexed scholars for centuries. The Book Of Secrets is a fast reading book with a deadly mystery which if discovered will change the world.

“Indignation” by Philip Roth @ Rs. 295/- (pgs 233)
Indignation is a gripping saga about the frustrations of youth. It is the story of a young man named Marcus Messner whose life is constantly jeopardized by bizarre obstructions including his obnoxiously paranoid father who sights danger lurking in every corner just waiting to get his son. Based in the America of the 50’s amidst the volatile political scenario, it is ultimately a beautifully written coming of age story from a Pulitzer Prize winning author- Philip Roth.

“Julie & Julia: My Year Of Cooking Dangerously” by Julie Powell @ Rs. 325/- (Pgs 310)
Now a major movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, this is the story of a woman named Julie Powell, who lives a life of utter monotony stuck in a job she hates. One night she just begins to cook from legendary chef Julia Child’s French Cooking book. She cooks every one of the 524 recipes in the space of one year and it is all she can think about. The richness in the food she cooks begins to breathe a kind of richness into her life as well. Hilarious and honest, Julie and Julia makes for an inspiring read.

“The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs 602)
This is the final volume of the Millennium Trilogy and is the sequel to the bestselling ‘The Girl Who Played With Fire’. Lisbeth Salander had been abused by a system supposedly designed to protect. She is charged with murder and in addition to this; the state has determined that she is mentally unstable and should be locked away in an institution again. Everyone believes that she is the one person whose intransigence can provoke the disruption of the Swedish secret state. Will she be able to avoid the fate the Swedish state has decided for her? This last installment is the culmination of one of the most mesmerizing fictional achievements of our time.

Indian Writing

“The Silent One” by Sujatha Vijayaraghvan @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 165)
Longlisted for the 2007 Man Asia Literary Prize, Sujatha Vijayaraghavan’s debut novel The Silent One is a tale of compassion and freedom. This is the story of a child who grows up to be the master of the three Vedas, rituals and severe penance and the seeker of inner Truth. He drowns himself in an ocean of silence and becomes the embodiment of love, passion and skill. He becomes the leitmotif around which the myriads of stories on this novel are woven. This cylindrical narrative of ageless bonds of father and son, mother and family, master and pupil blurs generations, landscapes and places and is a yearning for love and harmony in the world.

“In Pursuit of Infidelity” by Sujatha Parashar @ Rs. 95/- (Pgs. 177)
A busy professional, Sheena leads the routine life of a married woman with her husband Gaurav and one year old son, Krish. Though poles apart, their married life seems to be normal. But are they “happily married”? Sheena has to decide between the temptations of infidelity and the need for loyalty. In Pursuit Of Infidelity is the story of many modern day couples … it is a moving portrayal of the human heart, of our need for forgiveness, from each other and ourselves.

“A Tale of Two Truths” by Ashvin Desai @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs. 133)
Ashvin Desai, the author of ‘Between Eternities’, brings your way a new book, a mixture of philosophy and Sufism. This is a tale about Dhobi-ka-gadha, DKG as he is called, who is like most other donkeys. But then came along, the Buddhist parrot, Toti, and the Hindu monkey, Langu, promising him Nirvana & Moksha. A brilliant satire, A Tale of Two Truths resurrects the fable genre.

“Two States – the story of my marriage” by Chetan Bhagat @ Rs. 95/- (Pgs 269)
Chetan Bhagat has delivered yet another quirky, pacy read. Two States gives an extremely witty overview of the Indian Love Marriage arena through the story of Ananya (a Tam Brahm) and Krish (a Punjabi) who meet and fall in love on the IIM,A campus. Will they or will they not succeed in the gargantuan task of convincing two sets of shocked and stubbornly opposing parents? Two States is cheekily incisive about the two cultures and laugh aloud funny.

“The Englishman’s Cameo” by Madhulika Liddle@ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 281)
Madhulika Liddle in this debut novel keeps you hooked with a sinister plot laced with copious amounts of history. The Englishman’s Cameo is a murder mystery set in 17th century ‘Dilli’ during the magical era of Shahjahan. Determined to save his friend who is caught in the eye of the murder conspiracy, Muzaffar Jang, an aristocrat decides to investigate the murder. Little does he know that it’ll lead him to something more sinister than he had imagined…

“Cloud 9 Minus One” by Sangeeta Mall @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 333)
This is the story of a married woman, Shruthi Narayan, who finds in her inbox an invitation to revisit her past. She has a whole new life now, with her husband and children in Philadelphia. Why must she even consider revisiting the past that she has left so far behind? Yet unable to prevent herself from going back, she finds herself at the gates of her college, trying desperately to ensure that her family does not learn about her past antics- the best friend that she abandoned or the old flame that she rejected. In this debut novel, Sangeeta Mall, gives us a vibrant insight into student life and young love.

“The Hour Before Dawn” by Bhabendra Nath Saikia @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 340)
This is a translation of the original Assamese novel ‘Antoreep’ written by Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia, who is a popular writer and as an outstanding film-maker. Menoka’s life is devastated when her dissolute husband Mohikanto re-marries and squanders her unquestioning loyalty. But then she finds new strength in her womanhood. The Hour Before Dawn is set primarily in pre-Independence India and vividly reflects the intensely verdant life of a small village in Assam.

“Five Queen’s Road” by Sorayya Khan @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 231)
Based in Lahore in the 1940s during the time of the migration, mutation, adaptation, violence and political upheaval, Five Queen’s Road is a novel that weaves together a family saga along with national history. It is the story of a defiant Hindu family that stayed behind in Lahore despite the political mayhem, intertwined with a Muslim family who became their tenants. It is a skillfully told story of the traumatic memories of partition in Lahore, the WWII in Holland through the occupants of Five Queens Road who battle memories of each other alike.

Inspiration

“Torn Apart” by James Patterson & Hal Friedman @ Rs. 255/- (pgs 349)
“Hal and I are honored to bring you “Torn Apart” on Cory’s behalf”
James Patterson
“Torn Apart”
is the true story about Friedman’s family of courage, heartbreak & hope. This book speaks of Cory Friedman, son of Hal Friedman, and his devastating struggle with tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder & anxiety disorder. His life was dramatically changed and left in tatters. Hal Friedman was continuously tormented by the decision of whether or not to make the most intimate details of Cory’s life public. Finally, he went to him for the guidance & Cory resolved the issue in a single sentence, without hesitation … ‘If it will help other people like me, yes’. Torn Apart is the story of one family’s unconditional love for each other.

“The Speaking Tree: Inspiration For The Soul” @ Rs. 200/- (Pgs 184)
Inspiration is a spark that fires man’s imagination unlocks his true potential and propels him to rare acts of bravery, sacrifice or creativity. This is yet another wonderful compilation of inspirational articles from the Speaking Tree Series of the Times of India. The wise words in this book aim to soak-up all the negativity that life burdens us with thus enabling you to face life’s daily struggle with strength and motivate you to achieve more.

“7 Personality Types: Discover Your True Role In Achieving Success And Happiness” by Elizabeth Puttick @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 327)
Is it important or useful to know yourself and understand others? The secret of success, happiness and wisdom lies in self knowledge and this fascinating book by a sociologist turned counselor Elizabeth Puttick reveals the answer to the key question: Who am I? The book talks about how the seven archetypes of Artisan, Sage, Server, Priest, Warrior, King and Scholar which have always existed in every society and how each one of us belongs to one of these groups. It presents an updated version of an ancient and powerful system of self-knowledge, which will carry you past fads and fashions to discovering your ultimate self.

Personalities/Biographies/Memoirs:

“My Story” by Kamala Das @ Rs. 250/-
Kamala Das has been one of the most widely read, early Indian women authors writing in English. My Story is a book of her memoirs. This was originally published in 1988, but has now been re-issued recently after her death. Kamala Das, also Suraiyya, wrote in English and Malayalam (as Madhavi Kutty). This was published originally as “Ente Katha” in 1973 and serialized in a Malayalam magazine, shocking staid, conservative society in its blatant outspokenness. Kamala Das has been and so also her writings have been far ahead of her time. The foreword by K. Satchidanandan is remarkable, sensitive and touching. My Story is intensely personal, deeply moving and indicts the hypocrisy of traditional Indian society.

“Bimal Roy: The Man Who Spoke In Pictures” ed. by Rinki Roy Bhattacharya @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs256)
“The film which hit me between my eyes was “Do Bigha Zamin”. No film had ever made me discover its maker until then. “Do Bigha Zamin” was the film that made me look for the name” - Shyam Benegal.
What comes to your mind when we talk about classic movies like Devdas, Sujata and Madhumati. Yes … it is Bimal Roy who was perhaps the first to bring shades of grey to the black-and-white screen. In this book, well-known creators of cinema like Mahasweta Devi, Ritwik Ghatak, Nutan, Naseeruddin Shah speak about Bimal Roy’s personality and his journey from cinematographer to director. His ordinary characters like Shambhu in Do Bigha Zamin & Kalyani in Bandini, even today remain popular in our memory. A must read book for any serious film buff or any Bimal Roy fan.

“The Kapoors: The First Family Of Indian Cinema” by Madhu Jain @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs378)
A well-written biography of the Kapoors, the first family of Bollywood. This book is largely based on hundreds of interviews with family members as well as friends, conducted over the last seven years. Madhu Jain has explored the terrain between gossip and academic analysis, essentially staying clear of both and tries to find out what it is that makes the Kapoors tick. Written with wit and clarity and filled with moments of high drama and touching emotion, Madhu Jain’s book contains all the elements of the great showman Raj Kapoor’s movies.

“Manchester United: The Biography” by Jim White @ Rs.495/- (Pgs.455)
All you Man U fans out there, this book contains everything you need to know about one of the greatest football clubs of the world. 75 million fans, an annual income of more than £200 million and a story that has never been fully told- until now. This book talks about everything… Right from the birth of the club in the smog-bound mud of Newton Heath to the days of Law, Best and Charlton, to the artistry of Ronaldo and the pursuit of a record-equalling 18th League title. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a lifelong Red. Unofficial and unbiased, this is the history of the Club written with the passion of a true football fan.

Socio- Eco-Pol

“Superfreakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 270)
The long awaited follow-up of the international bestseller Freaknomics the authors have tried to uncover the hidden side of even more controversial subjects ranging from ‘global cooling’ to prostitutes to why suicide bombers should buy life insurance. Bold, gripping and funny, “Superfreaknomics” talks about how the most ‘superfreaky’ solutions to life’s problems are the simplest. The authors Levitt and Dubner are back more than four years of research later with a book they believe is easily better than the first. And the ‘hidden side’ of they things they reveal sure are conversation starters.

“Out Of The Box – Watching the game we love” by Harsha Bhogle @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 275)
Harsha Bhogle is widely recognized as the face and the voice of Indian cricket and is known as India’s first non-playing cricket celebrity. Out of the Box is a collection of the very best of Harsha Bhogle’s columns in the Indian Express where he has captured the entire gamut of Indian cricket. Containing elements of wit, honesty and understanding just like his commentary; Harsha is a master at evoking the many moods of the game. Covering a wide array of subjects right from the history of the ICC to Indian Cricket Team’s recent fiascos and also penning down a tributre to some cricketing greats like Lara, Inzamam, Jayasuriya and the incomparable Tendulkar, this book is an absolute delight for any cricket fan.

“Bazaars, Conversations And Freedom: For a Market Culture Beyond Greed & Fear” by Rajni Bakshi @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 447)
Rajni Bakshi is a social economist. She has spent the last 10 years following the trail of those who are creating a more “mindful” market culture. A beautiful documentation of what alternative economics is all about. From George Soros to Mohammed Yunus, Adam Smith to Mahatma Gandhi, the vast canvas includes the ancient Greek Agora, Indian choupal, onto present day Wall Street to illuminate ideas, subversive and prudent. The Dalai Lama and Ela Bhatt demonstrate that it is possible to compete compassionately and to nurture a more mindful market culture. In a world exhausted by dogmas, Bazaars, Conversations and Freedom is an open quest for possible futures.

“More Salt Than Pepper” by Karan Thapar @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 255)
This book is a selection of the very best of ‘Sunday Sentiments’- Karan Thapar’s weekly column in the Hindustan Times for the past 12 years. A pioneer in TV journalism, Karan Thapar is known for his incessant interviewing style. More Salt than Pepper, however, gives us an insight into the mellower side of one of most successful journalists of today who makes controversial headlines as he interviews everyone from prominent politicians to celebrities. His columns attempt to embrace that wider and far more interesting part of our existence through anecdotes and perceptive pieces.

History

“The Defense Of The Realm: The Authorized History Of MI5” by Christopher Andrew @ Rs. 899/- (Pgs 1032)
To mark the centenary of its foundation, the British Security Service, MI5, has opened its archives to an independent historian, the first time any of the world’s leading intelligence or security services has taken such a step. The Defence of the Realm is an unprecedented publication. History as we know it, may not have been. The book casts new light on many events and periods in British history. The book documents how successful it was in turning German agents during the second world war, has new information about the Profumo affair and its aftermath, describes what really happened during the failed IRA attack in Gibraltar in Mar’1988. If you are a keen watcher of world events, this is a book you are waiting for!

“Train to India: Memories Of Another Bengal” by Maloy Krishna Dhar @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 307)
Train to Pakistan re-created the Partition in the Punjab for us, to help us understand the real tragedy. But the less chronicled Bengal Partition now has a Train to India. Maloy Krishna Dhar was born in Kamalpur, East Bengal and migrated to West Bengal with his family during Partition. In Train to India he has tried to give us a heartrending account of the human tragedies in Bengal before, during and after Partition. He describes his perilous journey into India from East Pakistan and gives us a shocking insight into the tragedies that occurred. He gives us a moving account of that turbulent and unforgotten era in Bengal’s history where age-old bonds between Hindus, Muslims and Bengalis deteriorated; where unrest was brutally suppressed, villages were torched and trains became charnel houses on wheels.

“The Hindus: An Alternative History” by Wendy Doniger @ Rs. 999/- (Pgs 779)
From one of the foremost scholars of Hinduism in the world, comes a unique, authoritative account of history and myth that will make you look at and understand one of the oldest religions in a new way. Wendy Doniger and her double vision of Hinduism along with her writing laced with wit is very unlike the usual books that work their way around arid accounts of dynasties. The Hindus elucidates the relationship between recorded history and imaginary worlds and is a vivid re-intepretation of the history of Hinduism. Without reversing or misintepreting the historical hierarchies, she reveals how Sanskrit and vernacular sources are rich in knowledge of and compassion towards women and lower castes, how they debate tensions surrounding religion, violence and tolerance and how animals are the key to important shifts in attitudes towards different social classes.

Travel

“Nine Lives: In Search Of The Sacred In Modern India” by William Dalrymple @ Rs.499/- (Pgs 284)
In his first travel book in a decade, Dalrymple has profiled nine people and their unforgettable stories, the result of 25 years of traveling in India. Nine Lives takes us deep into each individual’s life - each caught up in his/her own spiritual quest, coming to terms with finding peace and salvation in their own unique way in modern, confused, turbulent times. With amazing insight and simplicity, that only a seasoned travel writer like Dalrymple can bring into these very Indian stories. By rooting many of the stories in the darker and less romantic sides of modern Indian life, with each of the characters telling his or her own story, this book is a collection of linked lives with each life representing a different form of salvation.

“To The Elephant Graveyard: A True Story Of The Hunt For A Man-Killing Indian Elephant” by Tarquin Hall @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 260)
A combination of a travel narrative with a thrilling plot, To the Elephant Graveyard is the story of an elephant on the rampage. Stalking Assam’s paddy fields and hunting down dozens of farmers and mutilating their bodies. The forest officers, unable to do anything bring in a man who may be their only solution. Tarquin Hall has written a brilliantly incisive book packed with adventure and thrills. It also includes intriguing pictures and maps that give us a vivid idea about the hunt for the savage elephant.

“Outlook Traveler Special Holidays In India” @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 494)
Part of the Outlook Holiday series, the Special Holidays not only tells you where to go, but more importantly, when….. Will you like to be in Braj Bhoomi during Holi, or buy an elephant during the Sonepur Haathi Mela in Bihar? For more such offbeat holidays, pick up the Special Holidays book. A guide to the natural phenomena, festivals, offbeat holidays and the unique landscapes that the country has to offer, this book has the usual Outlook style of presentation, complete with route guides and resort listings with phone numbers.

Food

“Waiter Rant: Behind The Scenes Of Eating Out” by Anthony Bourdain @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 304)
This book is a natural outgrowth of the author’s award winning blog, where for the past four years he has been anonymously chronicling his restaurant exploits. The book speaks about the joys and pains of working in the food-service industry and hopes to gives its readers a “pain in the bones” sense of what its like to be a waiter in America today. He speaks about how today’s waiters are expected to have the most bizarre qualifications ranging from being food-allergy specialists to linguists to medical emergency technicians and amateur chefs to being eye candy! Hilarious, incisive and audaciously subversive, Waiter Rant will ensure that you will never look at your waiter the same way again.

“Big Bee’s Secret Honey Recipes” by Komal Taneja @ Rs. 375/- (Pgs 90)
Honey lover? Well here’s a book that gives you over 50 recipes from the Indian as well as the International cuisine, all having to do with honey! Written by master chef Komal Taneja this book is meant for all those who love food and wish to discover exciting flavors, keeping a healthy lifestyle in mind. So go ahead and tempt your taste buds with these carefully selected recipes and celebrate ‘the nectar of the gods’ the way the world does.

Science

“The Edge of Science – Mysteries of Mind, Space and Time” by Alan Baker @ Rs. 505/- (Pgs 270)
How did the universe begin? What happens to us when we die? The Edge of Science addresses these questions in a manner that gives rise to more bizarre speculations. The book deals with enigmas that have caused wonder, excitement or fear to all those who have pondered them. Alan Baker examines a handful of mysteries in this book and takes us on a journey starting from the Moment of Creation to the final moments of the universe countless of aeons into the future; a journey that the reader will find intriguing and stimulating.

Newer Books:

“Prom Nights From Hell” by Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe & Lauren Myracle @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 304)
“The Duel – Pakistan on the flight path of American Power” by Tariq Ali @ Rs. 550/- (pgs 315)
“The Mafia Rat” by Jimmy Breslin @ Rs. 345/- (Pgs 235)
“Brute Force” by Andy Mcnab @ Rs. 345/- (Pgs 476)
“Still Life” by Joy Fielding @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 369)
“The Face You Were Afraid To See: Essays On India Economy” by Amit Bhaduri @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 195)
“Happy Hours: The Penguin Book Of Cocktails” by Bhaichand Patel @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 304)
“How To Enchant A Man: Spells To Bewitch Bedazzle & Beguile” by Ellen Dugan @ Rs.295/- (Pgs 234)
“Your Complete Forecast 2010 Horoscope” by Bejan Daruwalla @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 536)
“Balancing Act” by Meera Godbole Krishnamurthy @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 236)
“Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 332)
“A Million Words and Counting- How Global English Is Rewriting the World” by Paul J. J. Payack @ Rs. 595/- (Pgs. 207)
“Have a Little Faith- A True Story” by Mitch Albom @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs. 254)
“Thank You Cancer: A Physical, Emotional And Spiritual Guide To Conquering Breast Cancer” by Megha Bajaj @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 268)
“The year Of The Flood” by Margaret Atwood @ Rs. 999/- (Pgs 434)
“Mother India: A Political Biography Of Indira Gandhi” by Pranay Gupte @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs597)
“The Puffin Treasure Chest Of Children’s Classics: Fairy Tales, Poems, Stories And Adventures” @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs 285)

Happy Reading,
From the small team at,
Twistntales.